The TED AI Show

Kelsey Piper, a Vox writer focused on consequential issues, shares her insights on AI's risks and realities. The conversation dives into the 'paperclip maximizer' thought experiment, illustrating potential dangers of superintelligent AI. Piper discusses the evolution of AI safety concerns, expressing the need for balanced dialogue amidst growing worries. She also reflects on how rationalist thinking can reshape cultural narratives—like a new Harry Potter—and emphasizes community support in tackling complex ideas surrounding AI's potential impact on humanity.

In this engaging conversation, Brian McClendon, co-founder of Keyhole and current SVP of Engineering at Niantic, shares insights on how augmented reality is reshaping navigation. He discusses the evolution of geospatial technologies and the unexpected role of Pokémon Go in mapping. The dialogue highlights advancements in crowd-sourced mapping, the future potential of immersive AR experiences, and the balance between innovation and user privacy. Listeners will appreciate the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the intersection of digital and physical worlds.

Victor Riparbelli, CEO of Synthesia, leads the charge in revolutionizing communication with AI avatars. He discusses how these lifelike digital doppelgängers enhance engagement for businesses and the complex implications for identity and media literacy. The conversation pivots to how avatars create new opportunities in corporate training and personalized marketing, while exploring ethical concerns and the future of human interaction. Tune in to learn how AI avatars might soon become your stand-ins in those tedious meetings!

Anil Seth, a cognitive and computational neuroscience professor at the University of Oxford, dives deep into the fascinating distinction between consciousness and intelligence. He discusses the intricate nature of human consciousness and why AI, despite its advancements, lacks true self-awareness. Anil warns against anthropomorphizing AI, highlighting the risks of overreliance on these technologies. They explore the ethical implications of AI systems, emphasizing the importance of human oversight in our evolving relationship with artificial intelligence.

Rev Lebaredian, Vice President at NVIDIA, specializes in simulation technology that teaches robots physical intelligence. He discusses how the gaming industry has revolutionized robot training, allowing them to learn in simulated environments. The conversation dives into the potential trillion-dollar market for physical AI and how robots are making their way into our homes and industries. Lebaredian also touches on the cultural attitudes shaping robotic adoption and envisions a future where advanced AI fosters abundance for everyone.

Jay Van Bavel, a renowned psychology and neuroscience professor at NYU, sheds light on the reasons behind our doom scrolling habits. He discusses the psychological effects of negative news and the importance of uplifting narratives to combat negativity bias. Van Bavel also explores strategies to enhance social media experiences, emphasizing the need for ethical content sharing. Additionally, he highlights the significance of collective identity and the balance between authentic content creation and audience engagement, urging a shift towards positivity in our online interactions.

Justin Meyer and Maxfield Hulker, co-founders of Civitai, share insights on fostering an open-source AI creator community. They explore the importance of collaboration in developing AI tools while tackling ethical challenges and content moderation. The duo discusses the evolution of generative AI and the balance between community engagement and monetization. They also delve into the concept of algorithmic personalization and its implications for creativity, along with the unexpected emotional responses evoked by AI-generated art.

Dominic Girard, producer of The TED AI Show, dives into the exciting world of ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode. They explore the shift from text to voice interactions, showcasing how AI can create more natural conversations. Bilawal conducts mock interviews to test AI's effectiveness and emotional connections. The duo discusses the chatbot's role in weighing critical life choices, like relocating from Austin to San Francisco, while considering the benefits and limitations of this groundbreaking technology.

Kathleen Fisher, the Director at DARPA's Information Innovation Office, delves into how AI is reshaping national security. She discusses DARPA's innovative approach to tackle cybersecurity threats and the intersection of AI and military technology. The conversation highlights the risks of open-source AI, particularly concerning national security, and the collaborative efforts needed between government and private sectors. From transformative projects to the challenges of deepfake technology, Fisher emphasizes the importance of strategic planning for a secure future.

Join Thomas Wolf, CSO of Hugging Face, a pioneer in open-source AI, as he shares insights on how transparency transforms technology. He discusses the evolution from a chatbot to a community-driven powerhouse, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that open-source fosters. Thomas reveals how open-source AI challenges existing power structures, revolutionizes knowledge access, and encourages innovation. He also explores the interplay between open-source and closed-source models, highlighting the bright future of accessible AI technology.